“We’re going through the worst time since the war of 2014. A lack of medicine has created a dilemma for all in Gaza, particularly people with disabilities who critically need certain medicines,”
The health sector in Gaza remains on the edge of collapse amid severe shortages in medicine and other medical supplies. “We’re going through the worst time since the war of 2014. A lack of medicine has created a dilemma for all in Gaza, particularly people with disabilities who critically need certain medicines,” says Dr. Abu Jayabb, head of the Society of Physically Handicapped People clinic in Gaza.
And medicine situation has deteriorated further because of the clashes along the parameter fence with Israel. According to Dr. Abu Jayabb,
“During emergencies, the clinic consumes medicines and medical supplies fourfold compared to the quantity used during ‘normal’ times.”
Dr. Abu Jayabb pointed out that the medicine deficit has reached around 50 percent along with a 27 percent shortage in the medical consumables and a 58 percent shortage in the laboratory materials. “Our problem as a small non-profit clinic is that during emergencies all medical supplies are prioritized to the larger hospitals. This makes it hard to properly care for people with disabilities who need ongoing treatment. Unfortunately, because of the recent violence there are more reported cases of amputations and severe injuries that will need years of treatment and rehabilitation.”
Medicine Brings Comfort to the Physically Handicapped in Gaza
Keeping medicine stocked at the clinic is important to Gaza resident and patient Mohamed. Mohamed relies on the clinic to help him get the medicine he needs without having to pay out of pocket. Mohamed has had a disability since birth and constantly suffers from infections due to frequent use of a catheter. He needs specific medication to alleviate the symptoms.
”The economic situation is horrible in Gaza. Access to medicine is unpredictable, and when I go to a pharmacy searching for a certain type of medicine, I am frequently told that they do not have it or it is too expensive”
Thanks to Anera's recent delivery of medications to the clinic, Mohammed is able to get his prescribed Cefdinir medicine, an oral antibiotic effective against bacteria that causes infections, free of charge.
Our partner, Americares, generously donated the shipment of medicines to this clinic and 13 other medical facilities across Gaza.
